Dataforma Software

Dataforma Roofing Software was originally designed for roofing contractors, but it is now utilized by other construction trades, including electrical, plumbing and HVAC. It is a web-based business management system that helps contractors manage projects, create proposals, track leads, monitor marketing campaigns, and more.

There are four main customer management modules, and nine business process modules offered in Dataforma. The customer management modules include a contact management system, correspondence management, and a calendar. The business process modules include those specifically designed for service management: work order management, project management, warranty management, and document management.

Dataforma also offers a customer portal, which allows contractors - and their customers - to access information about active construction projects in real time.

Dataforma requires a minimum of three users to begin with, and is available on a monthly subscription. Dataforma offers 24/7 email and telephone support, and 24-hour system monitoring.

DataForma has helped Streamline Many of our Internal Functions

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Been using DataForma for approx 3 years. It's has become (as we have grown with it) a great tool within our company.

Pros

Linking/building relationships is helpful to maneuver from one platform to another under the same account, search ability, ease of use, entering data.

Cons

It's limitations. Limited fields to use. Custom exported reports have to be created by DataForma. Queries have to be created by DataForma. Searching limitations and information exported across platforms (i.e., trying to combine information from one platform and another at the same time - requires a special query).

Advice to Others

New to Dataforma

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Value for Money

We used Software Advice to put us in touch with products that could work with our current business practices and we were lucky enough to find Dataforma. We are just getting under way with them as our CRM software and thus far have been pleased with the product and overall process with them.

Flexible and robust functionality with great support.

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Value for Money

We started using Dataforma a little over three years ago when we were informed about it during a trade conference. This was a large shift for us and as a roofing company, our end users were not technically proficient to begin with. We immediately noticed how supportive their staff was in making sure we transitioned to the software as smoothly as possible; they even had a company representative visit our offices to help train our staff. The software is fairly robust and there are a number of fields that can be populated in order to retrieve detailed information for reporting and reference as needed. Once familiar with the basics, we were able to speak directly with the Dataforma developers to have custom templates produced for data experts and reporting needs. The stability of the system has been absolutely consistent as they have redundant servers in multiple states. Over time we have been excited to find new ways to improve our operations, scheduling, accounting and basic CRM needs by becoming more familiar with the software and communicating with a helpful and readily available support staff. We now attend biannual super user conferences where the system administrators and various users from different companies can confer directly with the Dataforma design team. The events are very helpful in that we also confer with other users to find new ways to better use and adapt the software to our ever-changing needs.

Pros

The software is very robust and capable of producing reporting from a variety of perspectives and directions. The software continues to improve as the developers actively seek input from the end users. System stability and support has always been first rate. Great value for the investment.

Cons

Initial learning curve can be a challenge to some but the quality support makes this less of an issue. Looking forward to expanded accounting functionality.

Advice to Others

We can recommend this product to roofing companies that appreciate the importance and value of accurate information management.

Hand Written work orders to 100% paperless during the first big RAIN storm of the year.

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Value for Money

We are new to using Data Forma field service. So far it has been great and very easy to use once a data base is built. The customer service has been great and we never feel rushed or that we bought a product and have been passed off. The hardest thing for us has been not going backwards and resorting back to hand written work orders and reactive behavior vs pro-active when dispatching a repair or an emergency type of call. Change is never easy but it is necessary to grow in a positive manner. This Dataforma is exactly as advertised and as the Data is provided it becomes easier to use and manage. Positive Results are immediate.

Pros

The ability to track everything possible about a job, customer or building is amazing. It is very easy for the field techs to use and get us the info we need so our customers get what they require in a great turn around time. The Dataforma employee who is doing our training etc has been amazing and exceeded our expectation by leaps and bounds.

Cons

Anything negative I have to say so far is on our companies end and accepting change without resorting back to old habbitts.

Dataforma - Great!

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Likes Best

Ease of use is fantastic. Any time I've had a question or an issue, the customer service response is immediate. Everyone is friendly.

Likes Least

No complaints here. I have one computer screen dedicated to Dataforma--it's my one-stop for everything in day-to-day operations.

Recommendations

We've looked into other systems that are similar but we can't find anything that houses all the information you need like Dataforma does. Also, most of the system is editable, so you can add/delete items to tailor it to your business practices.

Mark from Franzoso Contracting
Specialty: Residential remodeling

July 2015

July 2015

Dataforma is a great solution for us. We consolidated from 3 programs

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Likes Best

It's easy to use, has features we can grow into. The company is made up of people interested in building out a database with a lot of stock and custom features. They're very accessible and accommodating.

Likes Least

I've been waiting for them to release a previously announced update and finalize development of other features in discussion that will really help us.

Recommendations

Make sure you and /or a key employee are detail oriented and want to maintain complete accurate records.

Curtis from Rackley roofing Company, Inc.
Specialty: Roofing & siding

July 2015

July 2015

Dataforma is a great asset to our company!

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Likes Best

Dataforma has helped us streamline our service work and has given us a central location to manage all of our important documents for each job. It's web-based, so any of our employees can log in, no matter where they are. The mobile app has been very useful for our field technicians as well.

Likes Least

The only issue we've had has been a request for automation on email generation for reminders, events, etc. But, this information is available on each employee's home screen.

Recommendations

I would recommend attending Dataforma's PSU yearly event. This has been helpful for training and tips on how to utilize the software to its full potential. They are constantly upgrading the system to make it better for their clients, and they bring the new information to the PSU each year.

DataForma Review

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Likes Best

Easy to locate information, can get at information from anywhere, can store documents in one central place

Likes Least

Can't write my own reports, Warranty portion of software still has errors,

Recommendations

Try it. I found that the search options were the best feature.

Jana from McCormack Roofing
Specialty: Roofing & siding

June 2015

June 2015

Dataforma is Excellent!

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Likes Best

Dataforma has, as the office manager and job scheduler, make my life easier. It is an amazing program that allows me to see the results of an inspection or a finish job almost immediately, before the workers are off the roof. Easy to schedule, easy to create jobs, all the information is at my fingertips. Proposal with picture reports are fast and very professional.

Likes Least

The only thing Dataforma is lacking is more accounting features.

Recommendations

If you are in the roofing, construction industry, this is the software for you, don't even bother looking farther.

Nathan from Pyramid Roofing
Specialty: Roofing & siding

June 2015

June 2015

We are very happy with this product.

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Likes Best

We like the versatility of the product as well as the ability to customize the menu options for more focused reporting. The Dataforma staff has also been very supportive in helping us tailor the product to our specific needs. The software has been reliable and the layout makes it easy to create relationships among the data fields. Our clients also appreciate having access to selected information via a client portal that we can invite them to use.

Likes Least

The number of menu selections can make it seem a little overwhelming until the user is familiarized with the product. Otherwise, we don't have any major complaints.

Recommendations

The company sends a very knowledgeable trainer out to ensure the product launch goes smoothly. Configuring various users with specific tiers of access is not difficult and the "clone permissions" feature helps save time.

Geoff from Mid-South Roof Systems
Specialty: Roofing & siding

June 2015

June 2015

Great software for management of customer info in a Service Department

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Likes Best

DataForma allowed us to be much more effective and efficient in serving our customers. The organized way information is kept and the relationships that are built between data allow for an account manager to quickly answer customer questions.

Likes Least

The software user interface can be overwhelming at times. There are a lot of options on any given screen. This is necessary because of the power of the software but it needs some polishing, particularly for use with mobile or tablet devices.

Recommendations

The key to software roll outs or evaluations is to make sure that the closely mimic your business process. With DataForma, walk through the process of entering service work orders or a project and make sure that it either is similar to your process or that you want to modify your process to match the software's flow.

Alexandria from Building Power LLC
Specialty: Roofing & siding

June 2015

June 2015

I have truly enjoyed using Dataforma.

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Likes Best

The customer support is excellent. They are quick to respond and very friendly. Also I work in a lot of other facility databases and this one is the simplest and most straightforward system. I also like how I am able to work with other vendors of ours through the system.

Likes Least

I wish it were possible to set up custom alerts to email or on the dashboard for WOs that are in one status to long. I also would like to see the accounting system be able to integrate with Quickbooks.

Recommendations

I would recommend using the full capability of the database. Work with the Dataforma team to customize as much as possible to help you business run much smoother.

Jeff from SK Quality Roofing
Specialty: Roofing & siding

June 2014

June 2014

Dataforma review

Ease-of-use

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Likes Best

The software performs well and can be as simple or complex as you like it. The vendor is great. They are very nice folks, who really believe in their product. Phone support is excellent.

Likes Least

They don't seem to grasp the importance of online and email-based support. They are fantastic with the phone, but virtually nonexistent otherwise.

Recommendations

Knuckle down and do it, step by step.

Michael from Affordable Construction Co.
Specialty: Roofing & siding

March 2014

March 2014

Sophisticated software that is very versitile for roofing contractors.

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Likes Best

The staff is always willing to help.

Likes Least

The software does so much that it will take time to learn and implement. It's also a little pricey.

Recommendations

If you are a roofing contractor, this software will be beneficial.

Jason from Carpenter's Roofing & Sheet Metal, Inc.

February 2012

February 2012

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The application is fantastic and has the natural flow of a roofing company, due to the fact that individuals that have managed a roofing company developed it.

The most important issue with any software or Cloud based application is training and technical support. Dataforma is unmatched in these fields. Their technical support alone is well worth the price of admission! Don't be mislead by the term technical support, meaning that there are issues with the application. The application works great and their technical support is available immediately to answer any "How To" questions.

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Customer Support

Our company specializes in commercial flat roofing. Customer service and satisfaction are our primary goals with any roofing project. We struggled for years to create a database that would be at our "fingertips" so we could easily contact our customers. We were using Quickbooks for our accounting and customer database. As our company began to grow, we really needed a database that tied all our contacts and their properties together in one "easy to access" area.

A lead gen company put us in touch with a sales rep from Dataforma, and an appointment was scheduled. Scott came in to talk with us regarding Dataforma. Needless to say, Dataforma was exactly what we needed! We were ready to get started - "Where do we sign?!"

Shortly after signing our agreement, Mike came to our office for "Dataforma training". We were pleasantly surprised how informative the training session was, and how easily the system flowed. Of course, we couldn't take in all the functionality of Dataforma at that time; however, the basic program was easily learned and implemented. Practice makes perfect - so the more comfortable we all became with the system, the better the information input. Mike would check on us every week or so to see if we had any questions. He could even check our input from his computer. The customer support is wonderful. Any time I have called in, someone always answers the phone and has answered my questions immediately.

The system has been a wonderful asset to our company. From lead sheets to projects and work orders, all the information we need regarding a particular customer is just a click away! The Dataforma seminar in Baltimore last fall was so informative. My co-workers and I quickly learned that we were not utilizing half of the capabilities of the Dataforma system. We came away with a new perspective and understanding of Dataforma.

Dataforma is always looking for input and suggestions to improve their system. They have a background in the roofing industry, which is a plus for us. Dataforma has minimized data entry and maximized the tracking of each project to give an overall view of the profitability and performance of our company.

We use Dataforma for all of our server needs from work orders to bid calendars and document storage.

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Value for Money

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The software allows for a streamlined method of access to the files we need on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis. It allows for members of our team to access data and information while on the go and away from the office via the server and the mobile app. The compilation of activities and calendars is a great tool to enhance productivity and manipulate communication obstacles to better address the solutions for them. The software is a tremendous tool for coordination with field technicians as well as office staff members.

Pros

DataForma is a great tool for organization of individual jobs/projects/buildings/etc... It compiles all contacts and pertinent documents in one accessible area.

Cons

Sometimes, as with all software for this type of use, it can become bogged down with too much information and things can get lost. Typically they are easy to recover, but it's still possible to lose information.

Dataforma for Roofing Companies

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Value for Money

Ease-of-use

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Having had extensive experience with several CRM programs designed specifically for the Roofing Industry over the past 13 years, I have been working with DataForm for the first time over the past year. We have considered leaving them for more functional software better designed for our industry, but with all the information they hold for us, we are still sticking it out. Actually, I am realizing that most of the reasons our company is not happy with it, is because they are only utilizing a fraction of what it is capable of doing. Not only that, but over the past year, they have added an entire envelope of new account management features that improve the front end and follow up account management practices that had been previously lacking. Why are there 3 different ways to do just about everything? Why does it matter so much if you click a notebook icon versus a notebook title when they should be a single movement? These are the things that can be frustrating to a new user, but once learned, this program can do a great deal - a true all-in-one package - for you business. It has been around a bit longer than most, so it is understandable for there to be room for improvement in ease of application.

Pros

How much information you can put within it, and how many different aspects of your business it can apply to.

Cons

Easy of operation....or should I say, lack thereof

Advice to Others

Their customer service is great and really work with you to make improvements. It may cost you, but they can get just about anything done.

Review Source: Capterra

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